Chamomile

http://smileherb.com/Smilebiz/HerbalMateriaMedicaChamomile.asp

A comprehensive list of Chamomiles' medical uses would be very long. Included would be insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, diarrhea, colic, aches and pains of flu, migraine, neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness, conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, urticaria etc. etc.. Chamomile is a mild anti-microbial, helping the body to destroy or resist pathogenic micro-organisms. Clinical and laboratory research demonstrates… that it will reduce inflammation, colic pain and protect against ulcer formation in the whole of the digestive tract.

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182&showFR=1

TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS
CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

SUBCHAPTER B--FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (CONTINUED)

PART 182.1 SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE

(3) (d) Substances that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use within the meaning of section 409 of the act are listed in this part. Camomile (chamomile), English or Anthemis nobilis L.

Roman. Camomile (chamomile), German or Matricaria chamomilla L.

Hungarian.

http://doityourself.com/info/renewtea.htm

Science continues to support long-held notions about the benefits of tea. Herbal tea favorites including chamomile and hibiscus provide benefits supported by powerful science. Whether it’s research about chamomile’s soothing effect on jangled nerves, irritated skin and upset stomachs or new information about powerful antioxidants found in hibiscus, the scientific findings confirm tea’s wellness properties.

http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/numitea/aboutteasan.d2w/report

Chamomile flowers contain volatile oils. Chamazulene (1-15%) gives chamomile extracts and oils a beautiful blue tint. This compound contributes to anti-inflammatory actions in chamomile through antioxidative effects. Flavonoids (8%) present in chamomile are also highly responsible for its anti-infammatory activity. Other components include amino acids, fatty acids, phenolic acids, choline, coumarins and pectin-like mucilage (10%) composed of polysaccharides.

Numerous case studies have been performed with chamomile all over the world. Germany is in the forefront of scientific research, the Commission E presently authorizes various uses of chamomile preparations. Chamomile is also on the US FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list.

Chamomile is most popular for its relief of mild tension and stress. Exhibiting calmative and sedative properties, the tea is also drunk to relieve insomnia.

Animal research suggests chamomile can relax gastrointestinal spasms and reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines, easing stomach pain and cramps along with relief of menstrual cramps.

The tea works well as a wash for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

Chamomile promotes digestion of the B vitamins and absorption of all minerals.

Chamomile also contains an easily absorbed form of calcium.

The tea can be drunk for its febrifugal action, to reduce and combat fever.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/07/health/webmd/main665474.shtml

This is one of a growing number of studies that provide evidence that commonly used natural products really do contain chemicals that may be of medicinal value," study author Elaine Holmes, PhD, a chemist with the Imperial College of London, says in a news release.

For the small study, 14 volunteers drank five cups of tea made from the German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) plant daily for two weeks. Daily urine samples were collected from each participant at the start of the study, during the tea-drinking phase, and then for two weeks after the tea-drinking phase ended.

Drinking chamomile tea resulted in significantly higher levels of two compounds in the urine, hippurate and glycine.

Hippurate, a breakdown product of tea flavonoids, has been linked to antibacterial activity. Researchers say elevated hippurate levels after tea drinking may explain tea's infection-fighting ability.

Glycine is a chemical that relieves muscle spasms and can act as a nerve relaxant. Holmes and colleagues say higher glycine levels may relax the uterus, explaining why the tea appears to relieve menstrual cramps.

Hippurate and glycine levels remained elevated for up to two weeks after the volunteers stopped drinking the tea, suggesting that drinking chamomile tea leads to prolonged medicinal effects.

Oxford Natural Products help fund the study.

SOURCES: News release, American Chemical Society. Wang, Y. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, January 26, 2004.

http://www.clarocet.com/clinical-study-chamomile.htm

German Chamomile Flowers are considered to be one of the safest and gentlest medicinal herbs used to promote relaxation in children and adults. Studies have shown that Chamomile exhibits anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and anti-spasmodic activity as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, Chamomile has often been used as a tea to help soothe colic babies and overactive young children.

Scientists researching the chemical make up of Chamomile have identified multiple active components also known as flavonoids, including Apigenin, Chrysoplenin and Jaceidin. Research reveals that Apigenin acts similar to that of a sedative and may be one of the primary calming agents which helps to relax the Central Nervous System (CNS). Further analysis indicates that the anti-spasmodic effects of other Chamomile flavonoids may help to relieve muscle tension, contributing to the relief of some types of stress.

German Chamomile is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)
A GRAS substance is one that has a long, safe history of common use in foods, or that is determined to be safe based on proven science. Up-to-date research confirms that German Chamomile is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for human consumption.

http://www.anrvitamins.com/glossary/chamom.html

The parts of the chamomile plant used are its flowers. Known as an ingredient in many teas, chamomile is used to relax, aid digestion, relieve headaches and help treat allergies. Chamomile is a popular remedy in France and Spain for gas and cramps of the stomach, to treat colic and to induce sleep. It is also a common ingredient in shampoos and perfumes. 

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